Ronald Czochara

Ronald Czochara, 73, passed away on November 23, 2025. He is preceded in death by his wife, Luane; his parents, Adam and Emma; and his brothers, Kenny and Dennis.

Born in 1952 in Chicago’s West Lawndale (Little Village) neighborhood, Ron spent his childhood in a three-flat shared with a lively extended family and his beloved grandmother, Emily Hanzl. He attended St. Ludmilla School (1966), St. Rita High School (1970), Lewis University, and DeVry Institute of Technology.

As a teenager and young adult, “Ron” was rarely far from a car or motorcycle, always tinkering and hunting for his next project. He later discovered a lifelong passion for woodworking, inspired by the artistry of his step-grandfather, Felix. When he wasn’t carving or shaping pieces in his garage or basement shop, he could be found paging through Rockler catalogs or watching The New Yankee Workshop and The Woodwright’s Shop.

Ron’s craft produced many treasured pieces: small carved figures like his step-grandfather’s; a teddy bear for his newborn son Christopher; a carving of his wife, Luane; a handmade humidor for Chris’s twenty-first birthday; heart-shaped boxes for his daughter-in-law, Susanne, and her bridesmaids; a cradle for his first grandchild, Daisy; and countless intricate boxes displayed throughout his home.

Music was another lifelong love. Inspired by the Beatles, Ron learned guitar on a 1965 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman gifted by his father. With his cousins Rich and Al, he formed a band that played neighborhood dances, weddings, and park district events. The Gretsch passed through the family for years before returning to Ron when his eleven-year-old son Chris began lessons. Chris and his brother Nathan later formed their own band, recording an LP and touring the East Coast. Ron paid for the rental van.

Ron loved many things — cars, motorcycles, music, woodworking, U.S. history (good luck trying to beat the guy in a game of Civil War trivia) — but nothing matched his love for Luane. Her passing on July 4, 2022 left him heartbroken, and though he was supported and surrounded by friends and family whom he cherished, he was never able to fill the emptiness in his heart that Luane had left behind.

Those who remain—his children, Christopher (Susanne) and Nathan; and his grandchildren, Daisy and Jackson—mourn deeply yet find comfort in knowing Ron is now reunited with his beloved Luane.

In accordance with the family’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of Ronald’s life will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, February 7, 2026 with a time for visiting beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. to be led by the family.

Memorials made in Ron’s memory may be directed to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Ron’s guestbook and/or share a memory with his family.

The Czochara family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097. 269-649-1697.